Todd Bowles Vs. Rookie Quarterbacks

October 10th, 2024

Mixed results.

Joe was going to do the research this morning — hope all came out OK from Hurricane Milton — but a New Orleans beat guy beat Joe to the punch.

Published late last night, as many were wondering when/if the power would go out, Luke Johnson of NOLA.com posted a story on how Todd Bowles fares against rookie quarterbacks.

Many Bucs fans have the notion that rookie quarterbacks carve up Bowles. That’s not true, though some have. Bowles actually has a winning record against rookie QBs since he arrived in Tampa Bay in 2019. He’s 10-6.

Joe supposes one could argue that’s way too many losses and say top-shelf defensive coordinators would chew up and spit out rookie signal-callers.

Both high draft picks (C.J. Stroud, Justin Herbert) and rotten quarterbacks (dismal Desmond Ridder, Daniel Jones) have sliced up a Bowles’ defense as rookies.

Already Bowles and the Bucs have faced two rookie quarterbacks, going 1-1, beating Jayden Daniels while losing to Bo Nix.

Why is this important? Slimy Saints backup rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler will make his NFL debut against the Bucs on Sunday inside Lincoln’s Tomb in New Orleans.

21 Responses to “Todd Bowles Vs. Rookie Quarterbacks”

  1. A Bucs Fan Says:

    Should thank the Saints for starting Rattler over Haener. Bowles has a better chance against a rookie than a back up. 11-6 vs rookies. Bowles is 4-6 against back up QB’s that aren’t rookies (watch out for Carolina this season).

  2. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Most the rookies that beat us were top draft picks….Rattler is not…doesn’t mean he can’t beat us….but less likely…

  3. Ra'Shad Says:

    I just wish we had someone that could beat 1 on 1’s consistently. I hope everyone that was in the path of Milton came out ok.

  4. Lt. Dan Says:

    Yea, “top-shelf defensive coordinators” usually do chew up and spit out rookie signal callers. However, Coach Bowles is not a top shelf defensive coordinator.
    10-6 speaks for itself.

  5. DRob Says:

    Daniel Jones is less a garbage quarterback, more a embattled qb. Behind an online that gave up historic sacks last year. And last I looked was on pace to beat it this year.

    He played well enough to force the contract, but alone has imploded.

  6. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Silver lining from Milton… Time for JBF client Florida’s Elite Restoration to go into significant action.

  7. A Bucs Fan Says:

    His winning percentage against Rookie QB’s since becoming DC is just a couple points better than the rest of the NFL combined. That means Bowles is just above average at beating rookie QB’s.

  8. BillyBucco Says:

    Well Bo Nix and Cousins were both allowed to get into a groove early and settle down and have confidence. We should know right away how things will look. If he gets pressured and makes mistakes early it could be a rough game for him. If Dennis Allen and Klint Kubiak have some easy quick throws and Bowles plays soft zone to start with minimal blitzes I will puke.

  9. DCone Says:

    For those thinking Rattler is not any good because they see that he was picked in the 5th round are due for a rude awakening. Perhaps not good enough to deal the Bucs a loss in his first start but will play better than many expect or are certainly hoping for.

    Six QB’s were selected in the 1st round and then no other teams had an immediate need for a QB. Had one more team been in desperate need of a starting QB Rattler would have been taken after Nix in the 1st round.

    You can argue that there might be some difference in the skill level between Rattler and Nix but to dismiss him because he was picked in the 5th round is for lack of a better word Stupid.

    BTW Rattler would have gone in the 4th round had the Saints had a Fourth Round pick in the 2024 Draft. Other notable QB’s taken in the 4th are Kirk Cousins And Dak Prescott. Looks like there are a trio of 4th rounders that may hang a loss or two on the Bucs this Season. As of week 5 the count is at 1.

    Hopefully the Bucs treat him as a threat and not a potential victim. Otherwise they won’t even see it coming.

  10. Chris Says:

    Better enjoy this rookie. You’re about to have the best game of your career.

  11. Chris Says:

    Better enjoy this rookie. You’re about to have the best game of your career. It’s all downhill after this.

  12. Joe in Michigan Says:

    Chris Says:
    October 10th, 2024 at 1:23 pm
    Better enjoy this rookie. You’re about to have the best game of your career.
    ^^^^^^^
    I’m holding you to this. If he has a terrible game, which he should, you’re gonna hear about it.

  13. Pelsbuc61 Says:

    Zero confidence in Bowles and his defense.

  14. unbelievable Says:

    Now let’s add in his record against backup QBs to go along with rookie QBs… it doesn’t get better, I promise.

  15. Conte Piscatelli Says:

    It’s not rookie quarterbacks that carve up Bowles defenses, it’s back up quarterbacks making their first start. Rookie or journeyman.

  16. BucU Says:

    And you wonder why we’re cynical about Bowles and staff.

  17. Cchead Says:

    If Bowles plays soft zone AGAIN. Bucs will lose.

  18. Dave Pear Says:

    Todd did great against Bo Nix and CJ Stroud.

    Oh, wait.

  19. Dave Pear Says:

    Sure isn’t the head coach and his skill for delivering defeat from the jaws of victory. Challenge another play that if successful gives the other team a first down, Todd. Have your team come out flat as a calm pond against rookie of the year Spencer Rattler. Can’t wait to see him march right down the field on his first drive for a TD. Everyone knows that’s gonna happen.

  20. Slacker Says:

    They get torched again Sunday, time to fire Bowles

  21. Pewter Power Says:

    Britt isn’t nervous about his job security this week I guess. We can win but won’t stop the rookie from throwing for 300 yards on the Todd